Africa-Press – Angola. Exports of national agricultural products to the Chinese market with exemption from customs tariffs, training of staff in the field of Free Zones and the holding of a public-private business forum were the topics that dominated the audience that the Minister of Economy and Planning, Mário Caetano João gave yesterday, in Luanda, to the Chinese ambassador, Gong Tao.
At the end of the meeting, Mário Caetano João told the press that China represents a strategic partner in difficult times for the national economy and that, from now on, relations between the two countries will be geared towards development, with a focus on strengthening the training of staff.
Angolans and the exchange of experience.
The Minister of Economy and Planning mentioned that China has extensive experience in the creation of Free Zones, an area of competitiveness that Angola seeks to develop, which is why the possibility of sending staff for an internship in that country, within the scope of of Public Private Partnerships (PPP).
China’s participation in the privatization program and in the digitalization of the Informal Economy Reconversion Program also deserved special attention at the meeting, where the idea of dedicating the “China Day” during the Luanda International Fair (FILDA ), “as a platform to attract the cream of entrepreneurs to Angola.
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“The partnership, in fact, already exists, as several Angolan public sector staff have participated in training and capacity building, but we would like to have a more specialized partnership for the ministry’s challenges,” said the Angolan official.
Mário Caetano João recalled having already been on a visit to China for three weeks, “and I can say that this helps substantially, to understand how the two countries can further intensify their areas”.
As for the public-private partnership, the minister said that it was still at the stage of identifying projects, as although there were already some projects related to the construction of bridges, at this meeting the possibility of China participating in the construction of markets that could host a considerable number of sellers.
“China has made a unilateral offer for the quota-free entry of Angolan products and we are going to work with national businessmen to identify which products, and in what quantities, would be able to enter the Chinese market,” he said.
Tax incentives in the Chinese market
In addition to offering quota-free products to the Chinese market, the two States are also studying other non-tariff measures of a sanitary, phytosanitary and technical nature, according to the Minister of Economy and Planning.
“It is clear that this offer of quota-free entry of Angolan products to the Chinese market represents an opportunity that should be taken advantage of by Angola within the framework of the diversification of the economy”, he said.
He pointed out that Angola exports oil, various minerals and forest resources to China, but there is a tendency to diversify exports, albeit in very small quantities.
As for Angola’s debt with China, the minister stressed that it stands at US$20 billion.
The two leaders also agreed to hold a public-private business forum for Chinese companies in Angola and all those interested in investing in the country.
“The ambassador conveyed the need that, as soon as we have finalized our National Development Plan, this forum should be held to transmit our ideas and visions from the Executive to the Chinese business community.
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